“Rabbi, if I hate paying taxes, should I do it anyway? I always have a barbecue on July 4 and we have an awesome fireworks display. My family gets together on Thanksgiving and a huge American flag hangs on our front porch. We donate to various veterans organizations and I understand the importance of American democracy and culture. But I think the government wastes too much money and I don’t feel like paying taxes. In fact, I’m willing to give more to charitable causes rather than pay Uncle Sam.”
When I get questions like this, I often try to put things in context. Let’s forget a moment about legalities and moral obligations. Let us put aside the virtues and vices of current American government and… Read More »